Bucs Look to Rebound Against Surging Broncos

TAMPA BAY RUNNING BACK DOUG MARTIN, seen scoring against Atlanta, was held to just 50 yards rushing against the Falcons. He will need to have a bigger game for Tampa Bay today. (MICHAEL WILSON | THE LEDGER)

Facts

The team loses out on tiebreakers, but with a 6-5 record, the Bucs are tied with Minnesota and Seattle for the final playoff spot with five games to play.

Tampa Bay isn't dreaming of the playoffs just yet. The Bucs first have to travel to Denver to take on Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

"We're just playing one game at a time, really," said Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman. "It's how we go about our business. At this point, you've got to keep your head down, keep grinding (and) keep working. You've got to put together an effort to get you victories on Sundays."

The Bucs are coming off of a tough 24-23 home loss to the NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons, which snapped a four-game win streak. Now, the team is trying to get back on track against one of the hottest teams in the AFC. If the Bucs lose, Atlanta wins the NFC South title.

The Broncos are 8-3 and have won six straight contests. With a victory today, they will clinch the AFC West title.

After missing the entire 2011 season after having surgery on his neck, Manning has been a strong reason for the team's success this season. He has thrown for 3,260 yards, 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

"His name and his body of work speak for itself," Freeman said. "He's really changed the game when you talk about how quarterbacks go up to the line of scrimmage and make checks alerts. Just talking to some guys who have played with him, they talk about the layers upon layers of code words he uses to manipulate defenses. It's going to be cool to go out and watch him operate in person. But ultimately, we have a goal to play our best game offensively."

And defensively.

Normally, defenses try to show an offense one thing and just before the snap change into another coverage. Manning is known for his ability to go to the line and force the defense to declare their schemes early.

"He can analyze what you're doing and basically put you in the defense he wants," said Tampa Bay defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. "We've got to be ready for it. You've just got to be ready for whatever."

As for Freeman, he will have to deal with a Broncos defense that leads the league in sacks. Denver is also fourth in total yards allowed.

<p>While the Tampa Bay Bucs are technically on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, they are at the front door.</p><p>The team loses out on tiebreakers, but with a 6-5 record, the Bucs are tied with Minnesota and Seattle for the final playoff spot with five games to play.</p><p>Tampa Bay isn't dreaming of the playoffs just yet. The Bucs first have to travel to Denver to take on Peyton Manning and the Broncos.</p><p>"We're just playing one game at a time, really," said Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman. "It's how we go about our business. At this point, you've got to keep your head down, keep grinding (and) keep working. You've got to put together an effort to get you victories on Sundays."</p><p>The Bucs are coming off of a tough 24-23 home loss to the NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons, which snapped a four-game win streak. Now, the team is trying to get back on track against one of the hottest teams in the AFC. If the Bucs lose, Atlanta wins the NFC South title.</p><p>The Broncos are 8-3 and have won six straight contests. With a victory today, they will clinch the AFC West title.</p><p>After missing the entire 2011 season after having surgery on his neck, Manning has been a strong reason for the team's success this season. He has thrown for 3,260 yards, 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.</p><p>"His name and his body of work speak for itself," Freeman said. "He's really changed the game when you talk about how quarterbacks go up to the line of scrimmage and make checks alerts. Just talking to some guys who have played with him, they talk about the layers upon layers of code words he uses to manipulate defenses. It's going to be cool to go out and watch him operate in person. But ultimately, we have a goal to play our best game offensively."</p><p>And defensively.</p><p>Normally, defenses try to show an offense one thing and just before the snap change into another coverage. Manning is known for his ability to go to the line and force the defense to declare their schemes early.</p><p>"He can analyze what you're doing and basically put you in the defense he wants," said Tampa Bay defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. "We've got to be ready for it. You've just got to be ready for whatever."</p><p>As for Freeman, he will have to deal with a Broncos defense that leads the league in sacks. Denver is also fourth in total yards allowed.</p>